The globe anxiously anticipated Saturday night’s announcement of President Trump’s decision on whether or not to join Israel’s campaign against Iran’s nuclear facilities. The solution is here.
In a nationally broadcast speech, President Trump hailed the attacks as a “spectacular military success” and a “historic moment for the United States, Israel, and the world.” His statement was something like, “There are many targets left.” It was established that Fordow, Iran’s nuclear enrichment complex near Qom, was one of the targets. It was quite evident that Iran needed to “make peace or face tragedy far greater than what we have witnessed over the last eight days.”
America has taken a strong stand. It is unclear at this time whether the president’s audacious claim that the strike will end Iran’s nuclear development is accurate. Evidently, the global spark has been lit, and the fallout is only going to get worse from here.
Did You Get a Good Reason?
The government has not yet presented any public proof that Iran was as close as the White House press secretary claimed—just “weeks away” from constructing a nuclear weapon. That assertion is based on speculation rather than hard evidence, yet it may have contributed to the strike’s justification.
Of course, Iran has enriched uranium to levels close to those needed for bombs, but it isn’t enough to build a nuclear weapon. Tehran has a long way to go before it can perfect its delivery systems, reentry shielding, detonator timing, and warhead design. It has not done so, according to any confirmed evidence.
Bombs can demolish infrastructure, but they cannot obliterate information, as I wrote for HeadlinesForever last week. A large number of Iranian scientists are likely still alive and well, and they may be more motivated than before.
It Is Iran’s Decision to Fight
Now Tehran must decide whether to give in or strike back. There is a strong cultural, ideological, and historical bias against retribution.
The revolutionary mentality of Iran opposes capitulation. Through it all, the Islamic Republic has weathered sanctions, sabotage, and war. Resistance is seen by its leadership as a sacred obligation. Although the Iranian regime’s determination has been bolstered by this strike, the enrichment infrastructure has been compromised.
A wide range of capabilities are still in Iran’s possession, including ballistic missiles, cyberweapons, worldwide proxy networks, and special paramilitary troops. This is only the start of a brand new chapter—not the final act.
Possible Iranian Reactions
Through proxy militias such as Kataib Hezbollah or the Houthis, Iran is expected to strike American military sites and diplomatic installations in Iraq, Syria, and the Gulf nations, as well as other regional targets. Losses of American lives might escalate the conflict.
The Strait of Hormuz is a chokepoint for around 20% of the world's oil, and Iran may try to block or threaten it. This might disrupt oil shipments. The world's energy prices might skyrocket with only a little interruption.
U.S. allies might be targeted in missile or proxy strikes, with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Israel being the most likely targets. Lebanese, Syrian, and Gazan friends of Iran are probably already making plans.
Attacks on foreign soil that are not balanced: Iran has operators all throughout the world, including "sleeper cells" in Europe, Latin America, and even the United States. Cyber infrastructure and civilian targets can be Tehran's next objectives if it thinks it has nothing to lose.Did We Make a Strategic Mistake Here?
We run the danger of starting a protracted conflict on questionable grounds if President Trump acts without reliable intelligence. Although Iran’s enrichment program is real, unlike the 2003 invasion of Iraq, airstrikes will not be enough to derail it. If tensions rise, we will not accept to fight this war according to our terms.
Furthermore, the attack may have unintended political consequences within Iran. It may bring the regime together instead of causing it to fall apart. The regime’s “Great Satan” narrative, which seeks to discourage criticism and promote nationalism, is bolstered by the public shaming of important sites like Fordow.
Get ready for a Dark Conflict
A swift shift to containment, deterrence, and resilience is now required of the United States and its allies. It is necessary to strengthen air defenses. It is critical to protect cyber infrastructure. Foreign Iranian networks must be monitored by intelligence services. The most critical thing is to keep diplomatic lines open, both with friends and, if at all possible, with enemies.
Following the Cheers, the Final tally
It is finished. Despite the destruction of its nuclear facilities, Iran is determined to strike back. Though it may be politically effective, President Trump’s jubilant tone—”Fordow is gone,” he declared—runs the danger of underestimating a formidable opponent.
Killings, sanctions, and cyberattacks have all been felt by Iran. It has weathered both invasion and seclusion. One thing it hasn’t done, and probably won’t do now, is give up.
The American people need to be ready for a lot of things, both victory stories and uncertainty. The next battleground will be global, asymmetric, and fraught with uncertainty. Our military might and intelligence will be put to the test.
